Antifriction attachment for vessels



Dec.2,1930. ALWlDDIS 1,783,322

ANTIFRICTION ATTACHMENT FOR VESSELS Filed oct. 23, 1929A INVNTOR H een? L. Wmo/s. B Y

Arron/vw `Patented Dec. 2,

UNIT-ED STATES ALBERT L. WIDDIS, OF HARRISvILLEpll/IIGHIGAN i* ANTIFRICTION ATTACHMENT Fon vnssELs Application led October 23, Serial No. 40I1,66`5.

This invention relates to an attachment forpvessels, the prime object of which is to reduce the friction ofthe water against the e hull whereby thestr'eam of air is momenp l tarily trapped, thus aiding the buoyancy of the vessel, and also reducing thewater friction. Other objects, advantages and features of invention may appear from the accompanying drawing, the subjoined detailed description, and the appended claims.

' In the drawing Figure l is 'a fragmentary, longitudinal, sectional view of a` vessel embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view of a vessel embodying my invention.

, Figure 3 is a fragmentary rear elevation of a square stern vessel.

Figure 4 is an enlarged, longitudinal, sectional view of a sectional pipe which might be utilized in my invention.

Referring moreparticularly to the drawing, the numeral l indicates the hull of a ves- J sel which may be of any desired shape, size or character. A pipe 2 extends longitudinally of the vessel, either alongthe keel `or along the sides, or either or both, and this pipe starts at approximately the water line at the bow and extends to approximately the water line inthe stern.

AsV shown in" Figures 1 and 2, the `pipe 2 extends along the keel and this pipe is perforated throughout its entire length so that air may escape from the pipe throughout its entire length. A plurality of air inlet pipes 3 extend into the pipe 2, and a valveor valves t is provided in the pipe so that sections thereof can be closed olf. That is, when the vessel is not loaded, it will ride higher in 'o'f'b'aiiles 5.

rises from the pipe '2 and hold it "for a period the water, `and therefore upper sections ofthe fpipe must be closed ,offk v' T Extending substantially from bewto stern, and 'preferably horizontally, are a plurality These bafflesV trap 'the air' as it of time against the hull, thus materiallyfaiding' inthe reduction of friction because the friction of the water against the air will not be as greatias that of water against metal or wood. .Also the bailies 5 are aids in'buoying 'the vessel.V Certain Ynoxious gases" can be blown'through thepipe 2 and these gases whenthey rise around the vessel will remove barnacles orl other marine growth, and pre-H vent them from lodging on the hull.

In Figure 3, a square sterned vessel is shown, and in order that the vacuum at the stern may be more effectively broken, I provide transverse pipes 6 7 at the stern, which vextend from the longitudinal pipe 8.

All of these pipes are perforated as previously described, to permit the escape of air therefrom. The holes in the pipe are all directed joutwardly and Vrearwardly so that the force of the air or gas will tend to propel the vessel.

In Figure l, I have illustrated a sectional pipe which extends lengthwise ofthe vessel. The pipe 9 is made up of a-plurality of secltions 10 which will screw together andthe outer walls taper rearwardly so that the holes l1 through the walls extend outwardly and rearwardly for the purpose of propelling the vessel. The holes may also extend through the pipe so that no appreciable propelling force is provided. y Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An attachment for vessels comprising a pipe extending from substantially the water line at the bow to the water line at the stern, means to secure said pipe to the vessel, said pipe having holes therein which extend outwardly and rearwardly, and intake pipes extending into said first named pipe, vand baffles on the hull of the vessel, said baflles extending substantially the length of the vessel. Y

2. An attachment for vessels comprising a pipe extending from substantially the water line at the bow to the water line at the stern, means to secure said pipe to the vessel, said pipe having holes therein which extend outwardly and rearwardly, and intake pipes extendinginto said irst named pipes, and transverse perforated pipes at the stern of the vessel.

3. An attachment for Vessels comprising a pipe Vextending` from substantially the water` line at the bow to the water line at the stern, means to secure said pipe to the Vessel, said pipe having holes therein which extend outwardly and rearwardly, and intakepipes extending into said first named pipes, Valve,

means in the pipe, said pipe inchiding a plurality of sections tapering rearwardly and the perforations extending through the tapered walls of said sections.

4. An attachment for vessels comprising a pipe extending along the keel from substantially the water line at the bow to the water line at the stern, said pipe having perforations throughout the length thereof, intake pipes in said first named pipe and transverse pipes at the stern communicating with said first named pipe.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature.

ALBERT L. WIDDIS. 

